Court sentencing adjourned for guilty duo

District Court Judge, Vaepule Vaemoa Vaai, has adjourned the sentencing of two defendants found guilty of an attempt to defeat the course of justice.

Lawyers for the defendants were called into chambers on Wednesday where Judge Vaepule made the decision to adjourn the matter to 6 April 2016.

According to lawyer for one of the defendants, Alalatoa Rosella Papali’I, the adjournment was made since another lawyer, Taulapapa Brenda Heather Latu, was not present.

Elaine Elena Ulia Faiga and Samoa Victim Support Group staff, Tumua Luafalealo, were found guilty of attempting to defeat the course of justice last month.

The charges arose from a criminal prosecution against Mrs. Faiga in 2013 which was dismissed when complainant Susan Stowers had left the country. Mrs. Faiga was found guilty of coercing a key witness, Foai Galue Malo between 20th February and 10th May 2013 to leave for American Samoa.

On the other hand, Mrs. Luafalealo was found guilty of calling Ms. Stowers on 11th November 2013 telling her not to cooperate with the police investigation.